Religación · Oct 8, 2026
Dynamic postural balance is mediated by body composition and anthropometry in older women in rural areas of Ecuador
By Sarango JGZ, Merchán-Coronel MG, Pino ACG
Aging entails a series of physiological changes that affect body composition, muscle quality, and postural control, factors closely linked to the risk of falls and functional decline. Segmental lean mass, body mass index (IMC), and phase angle (PhA) have been shown to be relevant predictors of stability in older adults. Recent literature suggests that obesity and low muscle quality are associated with lower complexity in postural control, whereas greater lean mass and PhA are related to better balance and a lower risk of falls. To investigate the relationship of body composition and anthropometry with dynamic postural balance in older women in rural areas of Ecuador, assessed using the Tinetti Scale. Analytical cross-sectional observational study. Older adults aged ≥65 years will be included, divided into IMC categories. Multifrequency bioimpedance (BIA) will be used to estimate segmental lean mass and PhA. Muscle quality will be calculated as strength relative to lean mass using dynamometry. Greater segmental lean mass and elevated PhA are expected to be associated with better postural control, whereas obesity is expected to be related to lower stability.